Portrait Commission from a Photo

What Is a Portrait Commission?

A portrait commission is a custom artwork created by an artist based on a photo or live reference provided by the client. It involves a collaborative process where both the artist and the client work together to bring your vision to life. In this portrait, the unique characteristics and expressions of the subject are captured.

Whether it’s a family member, a beloved pet, or a self-portrait, commissioned artworks are a one-of-a-kind piece that serves as a timeless keepsake or a meaningful gift. The process allows you to have complete control over the style, medium, and final look of the portrait. Clear communication ensures that the commissioned portrait aligns with your aesthetic preferences and the essence of the subject.

What Are the Different Styles of Portrait Commissions?

There are several popular styles of portrait commissions, including realistic, impressionist and abstract portraits. One of the most classic choices is realistic portraiture, where the artist focuses on precise details and lifelike accuracy. The subject in realistic artworks appear almost photographic. This style is perfect for those who want to capture every subtle nuance of the person’s or pet’s features.

For a softer, more expressive look, impressionistic portraits are a great option. These portraits emphasize light, color, and brushstroke techniques to convey the mood and atmosphere rather than focusing on exact details. Impressionistic styles are ideal if you’re looking for a more artistic and interpretive representation of the subject.

Another popular style is abstract portraiture, where the artist uses non-traditional techniques, bold colors, and shapes to create a unique and visually striking piece. This style works well for clients wanting a modern or unconventional take on a portrait. These portraits often blend elements of the subject’s personality into the artwork in a symbolic way.

What Kind of Reference Photos Should I Submit for a Portrait Commission?

The photo you submit should be high-resolution, well-lit, and clearly depict the subject’s features. Ideally, the image should be taken in natural light to capture the true colors and details of the subject. Avoid photos that are blurry, too dark, or heavily filtered, as they may not provide the artist with enough information to create an accurate representation. Submitting high-quality reference photos is essential to ensure the artist can capture the subject's likeness effectively.

Close-up portraits are often the best choice, especially if the artwork will focus on the subject’s face and expressions. Make sure the face is clearly visible, with eyes, nose, and mouth well-defined. If you’re commissioning a full-body portrait or a group piece, provide a photo that shows the full pose and captures the relationship between the subjects, such as a candid moment or a formal pose.

For pet portraits, select a photo that highlights your pet’s unique personality. Whether it’s a playful action shot or a calm, relaxed pose, the chosen photo should reflect the traits you want the artist to capture. You can also submit multiple photos as references if you want to showcase different angles or details that the artist can incorporate into the final piece.

What Are the Most Popular Mediums for a Portrait Commission?

The most popular mediums for portrait commissions are oil paints, acrylic paints, watercolors, pencils, and charcoal. One of the most traditional and popular options is oil painting, known for its depth of color and rich texture. Oil portraits have a timeless, classic appeal and are perfect for those seeking a luxurious, heirloom-quality piece. The slow-drying nature of oil paint allows artists to build layers, and create detailed and realistic depictions.

Acrylic painting is another versatile medium that has vibrant colors and a modern aesthetic. Acrylics dry quickly, so it’s good for sharp, defined lines and a dynamic look. This medium is often chosen for contemporary styles and abstract portraits, with a bold and expressive finish.

For a softer, delicate touch, watercolor portraits are a popular choice. Watercolors are known for their translucent quality and fluidity, which create a dreamy, ethereal effect. This medium is ideal for capturing light and soft details, so it’s perfect for impressionistic styles or portraits of children and pets.

Pencil and charcoal sketches are preferred by clients looking for a monochromatic, minimalist aesthetic. These mediums focus on fine lines, shading, and texture, highlighting the subject’s contours and expressions. Pencil portraits have a high level of detail, while charcoal sketches provide a more dramatic, bold look with deep contrasts.

What Is the Process for Ordering a Portrait Commission?

Ordering a portrait commission involves simple steps like choosing a photo, finding an artist, choosing the medium, size, style, and then confirming the final painting.. It starts with choosing the perfect reference photo. Select a high-quality, well-lit image that clearly shows the subject’s features and expression. Close-up photos work best, especially for detailed facial portraits, while full-body or group photos are ideal for capturing dynamic poses or interactions. The process often begins with an initial sitting, where the artist and subject discuss the portrait and initial sketches may be created.

Next, decide on the preferred style and medium for your portrait. You can choose from various styles such as realistic, impressionistic, or abstract, depending on the look you want. Popular mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pencil sketches, each having a unique texture and aesthetic. After selecting the style and medium, complete the order form with your preferences, including the size and any specific details you want the artist to include.

Once your order is submitted, our designer begins creating a preliminary draft based on your reference photo and choices. You will receive updates throughout the process, and once the final artwork is completed, it is carefully packaged and shipped to you.

How Should You Care for Your Commissioned Portrait?

Proper care and handling are essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of your commissioned portrait. The first step is to have the portrait framed. A high-quality frame not only adds to the appearance of the artwork but also protects it from dust, dirt, and physical damage. For additional protection, opt for UV-protective glass, which shields the portrait from harmful sunlight that can cause fading over time.

Choose a display location that avoids direct sunlight, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations, as these conditions can damage the artwork. Keep your portrait in a dry, stable environment to prevent warping or discoloration. If you’re displaying an oil or acrylic painting, avoid touching the surface directly, as the natural oils from your fingers can degrade the paint over time.

For regular maintenance, dust the frame and glass lightly with a soft, dry cloth. If you need to clean the glass, use a gentle, non-ammonia-based cleaner and spray it onto a cloth rather than directly onto the glass to prevent any liquid from seeping into the frame. Pencil and charcoal portraits require extra caution, as they can easily smudge. Make sure they are properly framed behind glass, and avoid placing them in areas with high moisture.

With proper care, your commissioned portrait will remain a cherished piece for many years, ad will keep its beauty.

What Makes a Commissioned Portrait Special?

A commissioned portrait is special because it is a unique, personalized artwork created specifically for you. Unlike standard prints or mass-produced pieces, a commissioned portrait reflects the individuality of the subject. It captures the personality, expressions, and essence in a way that no other art form can. It’s a collaboration between you and the artist, where your input shapes the final piece, so it’s a true representation of your vision.

The process of creating a commissioned portrait involves careful attention to detail, as the artist focuses on every nuance to bring the subject to life. This level of customization adds a personal touch, so the artwork is meaningful and deeply sentimental. Whether it’s a family portrait, a pet sketch, or a memorial piece, the story behind the portrait and the emotions it conveys make it a treasured keepsake. The finished painting reflects the artist's dedication to capturing every nuance and detail of the subject.

Commissioned portraits are often seen as heirlooms, passed down through generations as a reminder of loved ones or significant moments. They hold sentimental value that goes beyond the aesthetic appeal of the artwork, capturing memories and preserving them in a tangible form. This timeless quality, combined with the artist’s skill and the personal connection to the subject, makes a commissioned portrait truly special and irreplaceable.